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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

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Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company with unparalleled financial stability and claims-paying ability that has recently ventured into the pet insurance marketplace.

The company stands out because they offer expanded coverage beyond just cats and dogs, as well as wellness plans that cover things like checkups and vaccinations.

How is Nationwide rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
3.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness Plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, and it will, as a result, cost you more than most standard pet insurance plans.

Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that will extend coverage beyond dogs and cats, covering birds and all manner of other pets.

Truly unlimited coverage, however, is only offered if you choose the top tier plan.

Be aware that all plans besides Whole Pet with Wellness operate on a benefit schedule.

Nationwide Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a great option for a complete pet insurance plan.

In addition to the normal accident and illness coverage, it also provides for yearly physical exams, vaccinations, and flea/heartworm prevention. It is, however, on the pricey side as a result. Its Major Medical plan is more in line cost and coverage-wise with the standard accident and illness plans offered by most companies.

You can also purchase the wellness plan on it's own, and it is relatively inexpensive. Finally, Nationwide recently released a more inexpensive Whole Pet plan without the wellness component.

This plan has many of the same characteristics of Whole Pet with Wellness, operates on a percentage reimbursement basis, but is subject to different annual caps.

It is interesting to note that Nationwide is the only company we are aware of that extends pet insurance beyond cats and dogs.

The company will cover most birds and a wide range of exotic pets.
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Exotic Animals
Coverage Types
Medical
Wellness
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Both Nationwide models -- Whole Pet with 90% reimbursement, and all other plans with a benefit schedule -- offer unlimited annual maximums. The new Whole Pet plan without wellness, though, is subject to a $10,000 annual cap.

Additionally, you must remember that any plan but the Whole Pets are going to limit you by condition or procedure.

So even though technically there is no limit to the dollar amount they will spend on your pet in a year in total, there are limits on a condition and service basis with the lower two plans.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Nationwide's top tier Whole Pet with Wellness, as well as the new Whole Pet (alone) plan, both reimburse 90% of the total vet bill.

However, Major Medical and Pet Wellness reimburse according to a benefits schedule.

These schedules cap payouts by condition or service. If you are going with one of these plans we suggest you scrutinize your policy carefully before purchase, as your pet's breed may be susceptible to certain conditions with low coverage limits in the plan.

Benefits schedules, and no choice in customizing the reimbursement percentage in the top tier plan, limit the flexibility of Nationwide's offerings.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Benefit Schedule
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness offers one annual deductible of $100.

This is in some ways good because it is so low. But you will not have the flexibility of choosing higher deductibles should you want a lower monthly premium or should it somehow fit your needs in other ways.

Most of our top companies offer customizable deductibles.

The new Whole Pet without the wellness component, as well as the Major Medical plan, both have annual deductibles set at $250.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$100
Maximum Deductible Offered
$250

Pricing: How much does Nationwide cost?

Cost - 3 / 5

Nationwide's plans are comprehensive, but you are going to pay the price. Their monthly premiums are a little on the high end as opposed to our other companies.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$34.25
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$18.84
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $250, Benefits Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: Benefits Schedule
Available Discounts: 5% discount on current Nationwide member

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 3 / 5

Like our other companies, Nationwide will enroll pets starting at 6 weeks. Unlike our other companies, Nationwide has a relatively lower age restriction with older pets at 10 years.

However, if the pet is enrolled before age 10, and the policy never lapses, they will be covered for the duration of their lives.

Waiting periods are industry standard at 14 days, although Wellness starts 24 hours after approval.
Min Enrollment Age
6 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
10 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
14 days
Free Look Period
10 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4 / 5

Nationwide's claims procedure is standard for the pet insurance industry.

Like other companies, you must first pay the vet directly, download Nationwide's claim form, and submit the form with all paid invoices. You can submit via mail, fax or email.
Advertised Response Time
14 days
Claim Form
Mail
Email
Fax

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Headquarters Address
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH, 43215
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2344, Brea, CA, 92822
Year Founded
1981

What We’re Hearing From Our Readers
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Customer Comments

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K
Karen

6/5/2017
I switched over from another insurance and the service has been great so far. The turnover time for reimbursement is quick and Nationwide has covered everything I have submitted so far without an issue. I love the preventative care part of the policy too, especially for my older dogs. I have no complaints so far!
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Lauren O

6/5/2017
I took my dog to the vet for a check, and upon calling about my policy, the rep asked how he was feeling! I have been with Nationwide (formerly VPI) for years, and absolutely love the piece of mind the head-to-tail Wellness Plan provides me. Simply the absolute best coverage for my pet. Thanks, Nationwide!
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N
Nick

6/5/2017
Adopted a puppy. Being a previous owner I know how expense the first year shots and neutering can be so I decided to take out an insurance policy. I heard a lot of negative reviews about Nationwide not paying claims and did get buyer remorse. But, so far I submitted 4 wellness claims thru e-mail or fax. Would love an online claim function right from their website. The first claim nearly went thru all of my $250 deductible and the last 3 claims were all paid at 90% under my complete wellness plan. Claims decisions made within a week. The claims are paid electronically within a few days. So far so good with no funny business. My dog's neutering is coming up later in this policy year so... Read More
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D
Dana

6/5/2017
I purchased my policy for my golden retriever in 2016. So far I have been very happy with the coverage, quick acknowledgement of claims and reimbursements. I Hope that these business practices continue for the life of the policy.
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J
JEAN D

6/5/2017
I am totally satisfied with the excellent handling of all of Abbie's claims. I was so surprised at the quick processing and complete payment of all bills submitted. I have recommended your company to almost any pet owners that I meet. Keep up the excellent work and thank you. I would never consider owing a pet without pet insurance from your company.
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L
Linda T

6/5/2017
I'm so impressed with Nationwide Pet insurance for my dogs. We never know when a dog would get sick or injured in their lifetime regardless how attentive we are to their health and wellbeing. I can imagine the expense even for 1 illness or emergency with a vet that without the insurance I would be able to afford the cost. Thank you.
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Bob G

6/5/2017
Our pup had to have both ACL's repaired with TPLO surgery. Both claims were paid promptly and with no hassles. Thank you! Ans, yes, we have referred friends to Nationwide Pet Insurance.
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E
Ernest S

6/3/2017
Takes much too long for claims to be processed. We appreciate the email sent after we file a claim to let us know that it has been received.
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Frances R

6/3/2017
Thank you for reimbursing me for Blitzen's Emergency expenses so promptly. He has recovered from his ingesting a 3 in. blade of grass in his nostril. Caution: it could happen to any little dog who runs around in tall grass! Symptom: a dog pawing at his noise & sneezing.
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L
Lisa L

6/3/2017
Shortly after adopting Leila last year, I found a tooth on our rug and took her to the vet. As it turned out she had periodontal disease and had to have her teeth removed. The vet said she was in a lot of pain (which cats hide very well) After this surgery I thought it would be a good idea to obtain health insurance for her. As it turned out she had to have another surgery about two months ago to have a bladder stone removed. This surgery cost over $2,000 and Nationwide reimbursed me for this plus the other blood tests. I was actually amazed that an insurance plan finally panned out for me. Leila seems so much happier now that she is healthy again! Thank you Nationwide for helping me... Read More
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